KARMIN IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Karmin in Toronto - August 2012

Los Angeles-based Pop Duo Karmin at long last made their Canadian debut at KISS 92.5's Wham Bam, held at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre Thursday night. First gaining popularity on YouTube with their Cover Versions of Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown's Hits, but they now are a bona fide Success Story of their own with undeniably-good first Single Brokenhearted having cracked the Top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. What makes Karmin unique is their brand of rap-sung Electronic Pop, having left an impression on us with high-profile appearances on America's Got Talent, Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live.

The Husband and Wife Duo of Nick Noonan and Amy Heidemann whom actually are born just two days apart from one another, are absolutely charming and in addition to wowing Toronto the other night at Wham Bam, they also made an appearance on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live yesterday.  Afterward, they appeared at a Live Chat/Showcase organized by Andpop at Gibson Guitar Artist Showroom in Liberty Village last night. Some lucky Fans even got to hang with Nick and Amy at the Canadian National Exhibition afterward!

Heading to Boston this morning bright and early, I caught-up with Karmin. Admiring her signature Suicide Roll - a Hairstyle she made popular by curling her bangs back at great height - Amy tells me I'd look good with one too as many of her male Fans have tried the Look with success.  She admits to being fond of Tiny Tom Donuts and is happy that she and Nick actually got time to enjoy the City in their brief two-day stay. Their curiosity was piqued by the CNE's Chocolate-covered Bacon and perhaps they could be persuaded into trying the Red Velvet Pulled Pork Sandwich too! "We'll be back soon", says Amy. "We don't have a date penciled-in yet, but soon".

Karmin were extremely kind to sign a Photo for my Readers. To win it, simply click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before September 20, 2012. All are welcome to enter.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ZACH GALIFIANAKIS & WILL FERRELL AT MUCHMUSIC'S "NEW.MUSIC.LIVE"

Will Ferrell & Zach Galifianakis on New.Music.Live

Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell touched-down in Toronto today in part of their Promotional Tour in support of Political Comedy, The Campaign earlier today and check-out this Clip from New.Music.Live as they reminisce about their time spent with our v. own Mayor Rob Ford. Amaze. 

Does Ferrell think Ford needs to lay-off the Chili Fries?

The Duo greeted Fans earlier today at the Hockey Hall of Fame, before heading to the Bell Media Building. A Red Carpet Premiere followed at Scotiabank Theatre where they worked the Press Line, in addition to signing several Autographs for Fans. As part of the whirlwind Tour, they next are off to Philadelphia!

The Campaign opens in theatres Friday, August 10, 2012 via Warner Bros.

New.Music.Live airs 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic weekdays.

Watch the Clip below:

2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS RED CARPET PHOTOS

Stars of the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards

With special thanks to our dear Friend Saul Porto, here is a Collage I whipped-up from behind the scenes and Red Carpet of 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards. Saul was out and about the entire day capturing moments over at Queen Street and these are just a few of the beautiful Snaps he took on Sunday. He tells me in particular that he's a huge Fan of LMFAO and that Nelly Furtado was a Sweetheart to Photographers.

Although things got a little tricky with requests from a certain Singer's Management to not photograph her during Rehearsals, alas it was all worth it as she looked stunning when she finally was Red Carpet-ready.  

Saul tells me his only disappointment was not being able to get Snaps of Couple Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez together on the Red Carpet - a Moment many were holding-out for, although instead the Night's big Winner Carly Rae Jepsen had posed for Photo Ops together with Bieber.

Enjoy.

(Photo credit: Saul Porto via Mr. Will-W.)

CHORD OVERSTREET LEAVES TORONTO FOLLOWING 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Chord Overstreet in Toronto - June 2012

Glee Star Chord Overstreet looked barely recognizable in this his second visit to Toronto in the past year. Arriving in Toronto on Frirday, the now-scruffy Actor/Singer spent a bit of time partying in the City with a bit of Award-presenting thrown in-the-mix at last night's 2012 MuchMusic Vídeo Awards.

Despite being 30 minutes late for his Flight, he still accomodated waiting Fans at Toronto Pearson International Airport after being able to check-in his bulky Luggage which included a Guitar.

For those curious, the fourth Season of Glee premieres Thursday, September 13, 2012 on FOX at 9:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CARLY RAE JEPSEN LEAVING TORONTO FOLLOWING 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - June 2012

Quickly catapulting herself as Canada's new Darling, Carly Rae Jepsen reigns both north and south of the Border with her infectious Call Me Maybe having climbed its way to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. And we couldn't be any prouder of her.

Just last night having won three Awards at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards: Most Streamed Vídeo, UR FAVE Video and Vídeo of the Year, Jepsen flew out of Toronto earlier today to much fanfare regardless how hard her Handler tried capping it. The Paparazzi also were armed and ready as Jepsen herself flashed smiles and waves their way. There's little wonder why we're all obsessed with this Girl-Next-Door from Mission, B.C.!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LMFAO LEAVING TORONTO FOLLOWING 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

RedFoo in Toronto - June 2012

I think we can all agree that Pranksters LMFAO did a fantastic job at keeping the energy levels up at last night's 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards? One-half of the Duo, RedFoo, was awesome enough to stop and meet some Fans after an anxious wait for him leaving Toronto earlier today. 

In addition to fulfilling hosting duties last night, LMFAO also won International Video Of The Year - Group with their Hit Sexy and I Know It. Well-deserved, I say!  It appeared that his Entourage of Dancers had quite the splendid night at Universal Music Canada's Maison Mercer Bash last night, with several of them arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport with glitter still in-place.

To enter to win a Photo signed by LMFAO's RedFoo, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before July 15, 2012. You must also be following on Twitter here.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KATY PERRY LEAVES TORONTO AFTER 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Katy Perry in Toronto - June 2012

In just four years' time, Katy Perry's Star has shot far into the Stratosphere and seeing her leave Toronto today following her 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards Visit is true evidence of how big (and deserving) a Star she has become since her last visit here in 2010.

After wowing the Audience on Queen Street yesterday at the Spectacle with her rendition of latest Single Wide Awake - which saw her costumed as a cocooning Butterfly - Perry gave thanks to one of her first Supporters Perez Hilton, at his One Night in Toronto Party by making an appearance. The Entertainer earlier in the evening was awarded UR FAVE International Artist or Group and UR FAVE International Artist or Group.

Upon arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier today, she came readily armed against the Paparazzi with a Pillow and Sunglasses, covering her face almost completely as she scooted out of her SUV through the Boarding Gate. With a Handler who helped differentiate Autograph Sellers from Fans, I was one of the lucky Fans who had their Memorabilia signed by Perry while she sat within her Vehicle.

Upon signing for her Fans, Perry scooted into the Airport, Los Angeles-bound, with her face covered as the havoc of Camera Flashes lit-up Terminal 1!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DARREN CRISS IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Darren Criss in Toronto - June 2012

Star of Glee and Broadway Darren Criss flew-in to Toronto Saturday, making time for a bit of Fun while also presenting an Award at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.  Criss tells me earlier today that he barely slept a wink after having a blast at Perez Hilton's One Night in Toronto last night, catching an early Flight out.  

The friendly Singer/Actor apologized for his appearance, doing a quick Fix-up before posing for a Photo on his way to checking his Luggage.  Last night, Criss was sweet enough to come out to greet Fans outside Club XS, going above and beyond the Call of Duty.

Criss was awesome to sign a Photo for my Readers and to qualify for the Win, simply click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before July 15, 2012. You should also be following on Twitter too.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LUCY HALE IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Lucy Hale in Toronto - June 2012

Lucy-come-lately! Pretty Little Liars Star Lucy Hale made the most of her weekend here in Toronto in celebration of the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards. Here to present an Award at the annual Fixture, Hale had a blast partying afterwards last night, making an appearance at Perez Hilton's One Night in Toronto.

Hale who despite hardly sleeping, looked amaze in short Shorts and Cowboy Boots bright and early, just missing her flight back to Los Angeles earlier today, arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport in panic mode. 

Her fears were alleviated alas with the help of her Friends at Air Canada who ensured she got on the next Flight, shared with fellow MMVAs Presenter Rico Rodriguez.  With that being said, she still was wonderful enough to stop and sign Autographs for Fans, along with posing for Photos.  All hail, Lucy!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THE WANTED ARRIVE IN TORONTO

The Wanted in Toronto - March 31, 2012

I can honestly say that in my many years of witnessing Celebrity Arrivals, this by the far was the craziest ever. Super-hot British/Irish Boy Band The Wanted have stamped themselves firmly as one of 2012's biggest Pop Sensations and in case you needed proof, the scene at Toronto's Pearson International Airport today said it all. Hundreds of Fans gave the Boys a warm welcome, singing in unison the Chorus from their hit Glad You Came, cheering loudly at random Passengers who came through the sliding doors in hopes that the next to arrive would be them.  And when the Band finally did appear, so did chaos.

Max, Nathan, Tom, Siva and Jay each had their own clusters of Fans crowding around them for Photos and Autographs as their Security Guards ushered them along.  Few Fans walked away disappointed even despite the pushing, shoving, screaming, tripping and falling.  Flower petals were scattered amidst puddles of Beer on the floor by the end of it all.  This is all the more impressive considering the Boys don't even have a full-length Disc out in North America yet - their debut EP is due April 24, 2012 via Universal Music Canada.

The Wanted are in Toronto for a Press Blitz on Monday and Tuesday which will see visits to Top 40 Stations, CP24, MuchMusic's New.Music.Live, CityTV's Breakfast Television and more.  In addition, they will be spending time with Fans at their Autograph Signing/Performance at Brampton's Bramalea City Centre on Monday.

I was fortunate enough to get some goofy Photo Ops with the handsome and modelesque Max, Nathan and Siva, who were generous in their time with Fans!

See a Video of the Fandemonium earlier today:

"THE HUNGER GAMES" CANADIAN PREMIERE: JOSH HUTCHERSON, LIAM HEMSWORTH & ALEXANDER LUDWIG IN TORONTO | ENTER TO WIN PRIZE PACK

Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Alexander Ludwig & Shaun Marks at Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games

It was Panem-onium in Toronto today as the Hunks of The Hunger Games kicked-off the Canadian leg of the Blockbuster's Press Tour. Stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Vancouver's Alexander Ludwig who play Peeta, Gale and Cato respectively in the first installment of what looks to be a massively successful Franchise, made stop-offs  at CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show and MuchMusic's New.Music.Live.  This evening, they graced the Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre for the Canadian Premiere of the Film.

On The Marilyn Denis Show, we learned that the Boys bonded off-set, experimenting on some Dubstep Music and they had nothing but praise for their Co-Star Jennifer Lawrence who they claim is actually really funny.  Ludwig, who plays the role of the Villain feels his Character is misunderstood and revealed that he actually gained over 40 lbs for the role, eating much Junk Food.  Always remembering his humble beginnings, Hutcherson revealed also that he'll soon be hosting a Hometown Screening of The Hunger Games back in Kentucky where hails from.

JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT MASSEY HALL

Justin Bieber at Massey Hall - December 2011

Canada's favourite Teen King returned home to Canada last night for his exclusive CTV/MuchMusic Special, Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays. The almost-two hour Acoustic Show in which he is accompanied by his Touring Guitarist Dan Kanter, was recorded tonight at the intimate Massey Hall before a rapidly sold-out crowd of manic Beliebers. And thanks to the generosity of Manager Scooter Braun, I was lucky enough to score tickets to see the Show, giving me an amazing seat at the front of the Balcony too!

Justin Bieber arrives with Sister, Jazzy

The Special premieres tomorrow, Thursday, December 22, 2011, 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and 7:30 PM EST on CTV, with footage from tonight being edited down to 30 minutes, focusing mostly on new material from his Disc Under the Mistletoe.  Although there were no Special Guests to perform with the 17 year-old, certainly he had no problems keeping his Fans on their feet with screams reaching deafening levels when he finally came on just-before 8:00 PM, performing his Hit Baby.

Bieber at one point asked his Fans, "What do you want most for Christmas?" and the sea of screaming Girls uniformly had one answer for him, "YOU!".  He at one point brought three year-old Sister Jazzy on-stage, playfully doing an Encore of Baby and One Time with her, melting the hearts of the Audience.  The Toddler, who has developed a habit of drawing on walls of late, revealed to us that she recently cut her own hair and also shaved her two year-old Brother Jaxon's head too. One lucky Fan was brought on-stage and serenaded, before being gifted with a signed Guitar from Bieber, making pretty much everyone extremely jealous.

"ELECTRIC CIRCUS: NYE DANCE PARTY" AIRS LIVE ON MUCHMUSIC NEW YEAR'S EVE

Electric Circus

Best idea ever! For one night only on New Year's Eve, MuchMusic will be bringing back a staple for many of us Canadian Kids who grew-up in the late '80s and '90s on weekends, Electric Circus! The live televised Dance Party once aired in a 90-minute slot and in its prime featured then-new Artists like Britney Spears, Aqua, Martha Wash, Take That and many more.  I remember being glued to my Television Set mindlessly entertained and wishing I could be as cool as the Electric Circus Dancers, normally clad in something barely-there, shiny, sheer and from Le Château.

Electric Circus: NYE Dance Party will air Saturday December, 31 from 10:00 PM EST to 12:15 AM EST and go live-to-air from the Rooftop at Bell Media's 299 Queen Street West Building. Tyrone "T-RexXx" Edwards and Liz Trinnear will host and two $5,000 Prizes will be given away.

Starting tomorrow from home, we can vote for the Favourite Video of 2011, which also will happen to be the first Video to air in 2012.  Finalists are as follows:

MASSEY HALL CONFIRMED FOR "JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"

Justin Bieber in Toronto - February 2011

More details have been confirmed for the Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays Special. The not-so-secret Acoustic Taping will be taking place Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 7:00 PM at intimate Massey Hall at Shuter x Victoria. You can buy Tickets for the Show beginning 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 18, 2011 via either Massey Hall's Website or this Special Link. All proceeds will be going to Bieber's BELIEVE Charity. I am not affiliated with Massey Hall, so please do not direct questions at me regarding Tickets.

Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays premieres 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and on CTV, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 7:30 PM EST.  It will be preceded by a half-hour eTalk Countdown Special at 7:00 PM EST on CTV.  The eTalk Special looks at BELIEVE, the making of his Mistletoe Video, plus his Toronto visit earlier this year to promote Never Say Never (we were there!).

Can't make it to the Concert or couldn't get Tickets?  Catch it on TV at the following times:

CODY SIMPSON IN TORONTO FOR "COAST TO COAST" EP

Cody Simpson in Toronto - December 2011

It is always amazing to see someone you support do well and that would be the case with Australian Teen Pop Sensation Cody Simpson. After meeting the talented Singer back in June when he visited Toronto for the MuchMusic Video Awards, I was left with such a positive impression of the 14 year-old. He is humble and diplomatic and it would appear his Parents really taught him well. Barely going noticed then, it is highly doubtful now that he could avoid any Teen Girl's Radar now if he were to say, go shopping at Eaton Centre.

Simpson visited MuchMusic today for New.Music.Live and lined along both Richmond and John Street were hoards of Teen Girls waiting to get their chance to see the Idol in-person.  Shrieks heard outside were deafening.  If you thought that was crazy, another 500 Fans could be seen lining-up at Chapters for a Meet & Greet with Simpson.  Those same Fans also had to line-up early yesterday morning for Wristbands for tonight's Event.

Several measures were taken to ensure Publicity was controlled including draping the Autograph Signing Area so that no Photographs could be taken by those without Wristbands.  Above this, the selling of Simpson's Coast to Coast EP at just $5.00, ensured that most Fans who wanted a chance to meet him had their opportunity.  And there were many.  This, plus the visible presence of Crowds at the intersection of Richmond x John with CTV Camera Crews ready, convincingly said that we are in the presence of a Superstar. Surely Cody Simpson was "on the minds" (pardon the pun) of many an  interested Onlooker asking what the commotion was all about.

Although the quality isn't great, see Simpson walking-in to meet his Fans below:

JUSTIN BIEBER TO RECORD CTV & MUCHMUSIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Justin Bieber & Family - February 2011

You better beleibe it!  Justin Bieber will soon be returning to the Homeland to tape a Special called MUCHMUSIC PRESENTS JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  Bieber will be playing back home soon to tape the Special from a secret location which will include Covers of his favourites and also Holiday Classics.  

MuchMusic also is holding a Contest which will fly one Winner and their Friend to see the Secret Taping.  Contest closes December 19, 2011 on MuchMusic's Website.  In addition, proceeds from the Show will go to the Hearththrob's Charity, Believe.

The 30-minute Special airs Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and also 7:30 PM EST at CTV.

Hmm... wonder if Selena might join him on-stage for a Duet?  One can always dream!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FOSTER THE PEOPLE "LIVE AT MUCH" APPEARANCE | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Foster the People (L to R): Mark Foster, Mark Pontius & Cubbie Fink

Those good-lookin' Boys from California, Foster the People, flew into Toronto last night from Dublin where they just completed a whirlwind European Tour, now making their way back home for some North American dates. 

In full-on Movember mode, members Mark Foster, Mark Pontius and Cubbie Fink showed their support for Men's Health sporting some pretty nifty Moustaches.  The Trio performed an intimate set of highlights from their #1 U.S. Billboard Rock and Alternative Album Torches, as part of MuchMusic's Live at Much series.  Hundreds of screaming Fans - many who waited hours in the cold - witnessed one of Pop Music's biggest breakthrough Acts of 2011 perform tracks like Helena Beat, Call it What You Want, Life on the Nickel, I Would Do Anything For You and of course their smash hit, Pumped Up Kicks.  The latter was just nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance earlier this evening.

Frontman Foster and Drummer Pontius showed-off their new Tattoos which they recently acquired in Dublin reading "Free Mago".  The inscription is an Homage to their Touring Guitarist, who they revealed has had some tough luck on-the-road including being drugged with "Roofies", better known as the Date Rape Drug.  Foster admits to having been really starstruck meeting Adele recently, being a huge Fan of hers.  Pontius also revealed to Host Lauren Toyota that he absolutely loves the Rom-Com Love Actually, having watched it secretly recently on-the-road. 

Following Foster the People's appearance, they came out to greet Fans out in the cold and I was lucky enough to get a Photo with both Foster and Fink. Above this, they signed a Photo for my Readers.  All three of them!  Amaze.

See more Photos of Foster the People in Toronto below:

ENTER TO WIN WRISTBANDS FOR "FOSTER THE PEOPLE: LIVE AT MUCH"

Foster the People

Over the past year Foster the People have become one of the hottest Acts in Pop Music, successfully transitioning over to the Mainstream from the Alternative Music realm. The California Boys are set to appear next week on MuchMusic's Live at Much on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 7:00 PM after wrapping-up the European leg of their Tour.

Sony Music Canada and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to take two lucky Readers to see Foster the People at MuchMusic!  To enter the Contest, all you have to do is take the above Photo and create a Caption of what members (L to R) Mark Pontius, Mark Foster and Cubbie Fink are so damn happy about in the Photo above. Wittiest answers as judged by me, win! 

Leave your entries under this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before November 27, 2011 to qualify.  Good luck, Mavenati!

Order Foster the People's amazing Torches on iTunes today.

 (Photo credit: Sony Music)

FOSTER THE PEOPLE TO APPEAR ON "LIVE AT MUCH"

Foster the People

Huge news!  One of the biggest breakthrough Acts of 2011 are making yet another trip back to the City and this time you can see them for free!  Those handsome Boys of Foster the People, will be doing a free Performance and Interview at MuchMusic's Live at Much on November 30, 2011 at 7:00 PM. The Band will be back in Toronto, hot on the heels of their current European Tour and an appearance on NBC's Saturday Night Live recently.

Details on Wristbands will be made available early next week.  Click here for more information on that.

A quirky (in a good way) new Video has just been released for Call it What You Want, their latest Single. See it below:

COLDPLAY PERFORM FREE SHOW AT MUCHMUSIC IN TORONTO

Chris Martin of Coldplay in Toronto - September 2011

The Guys of Coldplay treated Toronto Fans to a free show at the MuchMusic Parking Lot this evening, gearing up for the release of their fifth studio Disc Mylo Xyloto, in-stores October 24, 2011. In addition to a busy day of Press, Coldplay was inducted into 102.1 the Edge's at Rock of Fame this afternoon before heading back to the Bell Media Building where they did an interview with 104.5 CHUM-FM and a Soundcheck in the rain before Fans who watched from Queen St., which was later closed-off for the Concert.

Zipping through an hour-long Set which highlighted their 15-year Catalogue, hoards of Fans who braved the rain, were treated to an array of Hits including Clocks, Viva la Vida, Fix You and their latest Single, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - complete with Fireworks!

See their performance of Every Teardrop is a Waterfall below: